Sally Student’s Response                                                        

1.  I don’t filter sound well, and therefore I am easily distracted.  Please provide written instructions for assignments.  It is probably best if I sit in the first row.

2. I can’t take notes and listen at the same time.  Whatever you want me to learn, please provide it in written format.

3.  It would be helpful if you can provide written objectives at the beginning of the course and teach to the objectives.  Let me know what is required to get an “A”.

4.  Don’t penalize me for being quiet during discussions.

5.  Just because I’m not looking at you doesn’t mean I’m not listening to you.

6.  If you are teaching abstract concepts, please provide real-world examples of how I might find these useful.

7.  Give me something interesting to research or a useful problem to solve.  You will be tapping into my ability to hyper-focus with this.

8.  If you engage in small talk I may find something more interesting to think about.

Question 1.  In order to accommodate Sally, you would:

A.  Give her whatever she asks for, the poor little thing.  Isn’t life difficult enough for her without me adding to her problems?

B.  How is she going to get rid of these problems if she doesn’t try?  I’d tell her, “You’re on your own, Sister!”

C. Send her a copy of my notes or my PowerPoint slides before the lecture.  That way she can be prepared for the topic of the day, which should help her with focus and note taking.  Also, she may be more comfortable contributing to the class discussion.

D. Provide a comprehensive syllabus the first day of class that includes the course exit standards and the SLOs.

E.  Have her stand, and ask the class if anyone would be willing to take notes for her.